It requires a lot of explaining!
Yesterday, Sega announced Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis. It was both confusing and exciting. Exciting as it looks like a modern version of PSO2, which launched all the way back in 2012, but confusing as Sega didn’t really explain upfront what it actually is and provide details like “how much, if anything, will transfer over from PSO2?” As it turns out, not much.
According to a full breakdown on Sega’s site, NGS (which is what they’re calling it for short) will launch “After Episode 6” instead of a new PSO2 episode. They’re calling NGS “the renewal the game deserves,” and will function as a separate, but “co-existing” entity with the original game. Many items from the old game will not transfer over, nor will “character growth” (read: levels, experience, skills, arts and techniques). So…pretty much everything outside of AC and SG (currencies) and weapons, units and Mags (the latter trio will be “changed in accordance with NGS‘ game system”).
This is actually fine by me. Not every online game is World of Warcraft, and the new coat of paint will be a great way to introduce people into the world of PSO. So long as the original still exists and is free, everyone can experience that one too: win-win. Although Xbox Series X was revealed as a flagship platform in the announcement, Windows 10 (PC) and Xbox One are also confirmed, as is the free-to-play monetization tactic.
